By Amanda Arantes – aarantes@dellvirlaw.com

Navigating the U.S. immigration process can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding when your green card might become available. That’s where the Visa Bulletin comes in—a crucial tool issued monthly by the U.S. Department of State that helps applicants track their place in line.

📌 What Is the Visa Bulletin?

The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication that outlines green card availability based on visa categories and country of origin. It allows petitioners and beneficiaries to estimate when their green cards might be processed, depending on their priority date.

🌐 Where to Find It

You can access the latest Visa Bulletin directly from the U.S. Department of State’s website:

👉 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-february-2025.html

🔍 What You’ll Find Inside

The bulletin includes two main categories:

• Family-Based Preferences
• Employment-Based Preferences

Each category is broken down into preference levels and country-specific quotas.

📊 Which Chart Should You Follow?

There are two charts in the bulletin:

• Final Action Dates: When green cards can actually be issued.
• Dates for Filing: When applicants can submit their documentation.

To determine which chart applies to your case, check the USCIS guidance for the current month:

👉 https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin

Once you know which chart USCIS is using, return to the Visa Bulletin and locate your category.

🧭 How to Read the Charts

If you're not from China, India, Mexico, or the Philippines, refer to the column labeled “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed.”

• A “C” means the category is current, and there’s no wait time—your case can be processed immediately.
• A date indicates USCIS is processing cases filed before that date.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Family-Based Example

Let’s say a Brazilian green card holder filed for their spouse in May 2024. According to the February 2025 bulletin:

• USCIS is using the Dates for Filing chart.
• The case falls under the F2A category.
• The bulletin shows USCIS is accepting filings for cases before July 15, 2024.
• However, for the green card to be issued, the Final Action Date must be met—which is currently January 1, 2022.

📌 Conclusion: The applicant can file paperwork, but the green card won’t be issued until the Final Action Date advances.

💼 Employment-Based Example

A Brazilian professional with an advanced degree (EB-2 category) submitted a petition in March 2023, approved in September 2024.

As of February 2025:

• USCIS is using the Final Action Dates chart.
• The bulletin shows green cards are being issued for cases approved before April 1, 2023.

📌 Conclusion: This applicant must wait until their approval date becomes current.

Understanding the Visa Bulletin is essential for managing expectations and planning your next steps. Whether you're applying through family or employment, staying informed helps you navigate the process with confidence.